Natalie scoffed. "We're in the same boat now, and Liesel's not going to help you. The only person who can is me."She has Elijah, and I have Jacob. No matter how much I mess up, as long as Jacob's willing to back me, I'll be untouchable. That's the kind of assurance he gives me."As long as she was convinced she was that person from back then, Jacob wouldn't hesitate to treat her well. She was certain of it.Jeffrey stayed silent.Natalie wasn't wrong.The moment he sided with Natalie, he was already part of her team. How could Liesel ever accept his sudden goodwill?Not to mention that Xavier was Liesel's biggest trigger.Zack and Sky were still in Liesel's hands now. Who else could help him? Who else could he even approach in Ashthorne besides Jacob?Jeffrey couldn't hold it in and let out a chuckle."Natalie, you know I wasn't actually mad at you earlier. I'm just worried this whole thing's spiraling out of control, and we won't be able to handle it."Natalie knew exactly
"For the sake of our safety and everyone else's, please sit properly," Liesel ordered firmly as she kept her eyes on the road.Elijah froze.Liesel glanced at him out of the corner of her eye and raised an eyebrow.A moment later, Elijah realized she'd just teased him in the most deadpan way possible.Amused, he shook his head and couldn't stop smiling."Lili, pull over somewhere. I want to kiss you right now," he said. His voice was both husky and pleasant. As he spoke, he tugged at his collar to reveal his alluring collarbone, deliberately teasing her.Liesel was rendered speechless. "Are you serious?" She'd been joking.Smiling, Elijah shot her a sidelong glance. "There's an underground parking lot just up ahead. We can be there in three minutes. Let's stop there."He was oddly principled about it. He knew better than to park haphazardly on the side of the road and even remembered there was a parking lot nearby.His grin deepened. "What? Are you scared?" He was in a good mo
But when Elijah was with Liesel, he had changed. He still carried that laid-back, carefree attitude, but now there was something more—something real.What started as casual pursuit, driven by desire and admiration, had slowly morphed into an emotional investment, even a possessive streak.He never forced her to do anything. He would even follow her lead and accommodate her mood.If a few hours went by without contact, Elijah would message her. He'd send pictures of kittens hiding from the rain, or vibrant flowers he'd seen on the road, even a rainbow after a storm.He was always finding little ways to remind Liesel of his presence.In fact, Liesel knew that Elijah was doing it on purpose. He was playing mind games, using this tactic to make her accustomed to his presence.It might not be love now, but over time, she would gradually accept it, and it would slowly turn into care.Liesel glanced at Elijah, finding his eyes twinkling with mischief, as he waited expectantly for a kis
Just then, the office door suddenly swung open."Mr. Hardin, the board has called an emergency meeting. They said they tried to contact you… Uh, sorry, continue what you're doing, Mr. Hardin. I'll let them know the meeting will be delayed."Ethan was Elijah's assistant. Elijah usually wouldn't bring anyone into the office, so Ethan didn't bother to knock. He had a habit of barging in when there was something urgent.This time, though, he forgot Liesel was with Elijah at Hardin Group.Given their relationship—Elijah being the notorious playboy and Liesel being his girlfriend—it wasn't hard for Ethan to imagine what might have been going on in the office.Ethan mentally kicked himself. From now on, he'd definitely have to knock.When Liesel pushed Elijah away, her lips were slightly swollen and red. She shot Elijah a glare. "This is all your fault."She was mad, but the sight of her flushed face and swollen lips made her look more like a teasingly coy woman, which only made Elijah
Zack had even tried to force the outstanding Xavier to drop out of school and become a male escort.But Xavier fought back. He confronted Zack with a knife, and that knife came dangerously close to severing Zack's carotid artery. Blood spurted out, and Zack was so terrified that he froze. Only then did he realize just how dangerous Xavier could be.If Zack had truly dared to force Xavier into that life, Xavier would have killed him while he slept.That was when Zack's twisted plans came to a halt. But he was still a hopeless gambler, drowning in debt.Xavier's adoptive mother, who had always treated him coldly, eventually left with nothing to escape the toxic home. Xavier had no one to turn to, and desperate, he forged documents to work at a club.He despised the place, but it was the only way he could survive. Only he knew the extent of his hatred.But in the end, where did all his money go? Zack took it all.Zack would often kneel before Xavier, begging for just one more chanc
Xavier had endured an unbearable life, but Liesel's life wasn't much better. Hadn't she too stood tall in the storm and stepped forward with resolve?"I know you're trying to comfort me," Liesel said softly, not looking at Elijah. Her eyes remained fixed on the documents in her hands.Elijah only smiled lightly. His gaze once again rested on the materials she was holding.As he flipped through a few more pages, he noticed several names from small families. They were all families that had worked with Jeffrey.In Ashthrone, the truly prominent families were well aware of their status. They gave their children the best education possible.If a child from such a family couldn't succeed, then they were simply useless.But even the useless ones were sent abroad to study or had entire buildings donated for them to continue their education domestically.They were unlike those from humble backgrounds, who would dare to tamper with the college entrance exam.Anyone in the country knew th
The comments came flooding in."Only the rich can pull off this kind of thing. But wouldn't a truly wealthy person just buy a degree outright?"Or at the very least, they'd spend a fortune to send their child abroad to study or donate a building to get them into school. They wouldn't be so foolish as to fight over such opportunities with ordinary people, right?""Anyone remember Charlotte Sullivan? Is anyone going to stand up for her? Someone help her! After she refused to be a proxy test taker, they abducted and humiliated her. Unable to bear the abuse, she jumped to her death. Who will help her?"The scandal surrounding the proxy testing had caused a huge stir. Before the details were even released, public outrage was already boiling over.The topic of the college entrance exam proxy testing had become a hot discussion, and many trending posts were getting a lot of attention.Shifter Corporation and Hardin Group both came forward at the same time to make a statement. They would
"Yes, I'm back." Liesel withdrew her gaze and strode toward the house."Mr. Hardin, I didn't expect to see you here as well."Jeffrey had initially planned to put on a pompous display as the head of the family, but the moment he saw Elijah, his arrogance deflated. Instead, he put on an ingratiating smile.Standing beside Liesel, Elijah remained cheerful. "How could I miss the chance to stand up for my fiancée?"Elijah made no attempt to hide his purpose for being there.Hearing him call her his fiancée, Liesel turned to glance at him. When she met his amused gaze, the words of rebuttal she had prepared never made it past her lips.Jeffrey's smile froze, and he forced out an awkward laugh. He didn't dare comment, so he just led them inside with a feigned warmth."Lili, I called you back today because I wanted to discuss something with you," Jeffrey said, putting on a sycophantic tone.It was a rare moment. Jeffrey had never been this polite to Liesel before. But now, she was his
"I'm willing since it's you." Liesel leaned forward, drawing her lips close to his ear. Her warm breath lingered seductively. It was almost as if she were about to lean into his embrace."Do you really like me controlling you?" Liesel asked Elijah, who hummed in response. "Do you really like being possessed? You've loved freedom for your whole life, but could you give it up for a specific person at certain moments?" Liesel asked. Elijah gazed at her. His expression was unchanged. "Yes, if it's for you."Liesel brushed her lips against his ear before asking in a low voice, "Did you pursue me back then because I didn't like you, and you enjoyed the feeling of not getting what you wanted?"Elijah paused after hearing her question. He scratched his nose and felt slightly guilty. He already had an idea of what Liesel was about to ask. Elijah had clearly gone quiet. Liesel also had an idea why he remained silent. She couldn't help but click her tongue."You lied to me that your b
Liesel's gaze was calm as she stared at Jacob, who was a few feet away. After a mere glance, she turned to leave. "Liesel," Jacob called out her name. "I had nothing to do with what happened today." Jacob had waited there so he could tell her that."What do you want me to say?" Liesel wasn't interested in saying anything at all. She merely found what he said ridiculous after hearing him out."You said you had nothing to do with what happened today. Which part had nothing to do with you?"Liesel's gaze remained nonchalant. "You said you care about me. You mentioned that you want a fresh start with me. "You said you want to marry me again and make me Mrs. Ford once more. Let me ask you. Do you know what it means when Natalie and Matthew are still around?"You're indulging Natalie by letting her hurt me without any restraint. You'll be permitting Matthew to do anything he wants and commit all sorts of crimes. "While Matthew has learned his lesson, he might still dream of takin
If Xavier really made any mistakes, Liesel would definitely back him up since she was powerful and reliable. He was very confident about that at the moment.In the past, Xavier came off as steady since he had matured early, but he was slightly immature now. It was as if he could afford to be stubborn and childish since he had Liesel as his older sister. Liesel mentioned that she could support Xavier since she was wealthy and powerful. What else did Xavier have to worry about? She was his elder sister.Liesel gazed at Xavier and spoke earnestly. "Xavier, I won't force you to make a decision, but have you truly made up your mind to major in performing arts?"No need to get nervous and change your decision because of me. I just want to know what path you want to take for your future.""I'll choose a performance major, but not immediately." Xavier continued to explain, "I'll go for a physics major first and produce some results. Then, I'll choose what I like later."Howard chuckled.
Liesel couldn't help but advise Howard. "Mr. Durham, you said Xavier should decide his own future. You've gone too far.""Have I gone too far? Not only did you not discipline him, but you're lecturing me now?" Howard pointed at himself. "I can do much worse! Xavier, you listen to me. If you dare choose to enroll in a performance major, I'll break your legs! I'll break both of them!" Howard was being completely unreasonable. Liesel massaged her temples while thinking about how things were in disarray. Although she never expected Xavier to choose a performance major, it wasn't as if he wasn't allowed to. She retorted. "Didn't you just say that I can support him since I'm his older sister? That's why he won't have a hard time making a decision since I'll be his financial backer."Howard wasn't pleased. "But he has a super high IQ.""But I'm rich.""But he has a super high IQ." Howard refused to let go of the fact that Xavier was intelligent.Most importantly, Xavier was Heather
Howard had considered everything. Heather and Jason's children definitely had the best genes. Liesel and Xavier had the power to change everything, so why did they insist on learning finance just to earn money?"Like you said, you chose finance because you had no other choice, nor the money. You didn't want to be controlled, so you took that path. "But what about Xavier? Since he has you as his sister, would he even be short of money? You'll always donate money to the laboratory if he lacks any research materials, right?"Since you'll be supporting him, that kid can decide on his own future." Howard saw through it all, and he was also worried that a promising talent like Xavier would be ruined. Liesel glanced at Xavier and paused before asking, "What do you think?"Xavier was startled. He never considered all that. In the past, his biggest dream was to escape the Scotts. Even after getting away from the Scott family, Xavier faced many issues as well and didn't have the time to
Jeffrey only officially acknowledged two daughters—Liesel and Natalie. The upper class already picked Liesel's identity apart a long time ago. Yet she was calmly informing the onlookers that she had a younger brother. Since when did she have a little brother?However, no one asked on the spot. Despite feeling suspicious of Liesel and Xavier's identities, the crowd still smiled hypocritically. Liesel must have brought up Xavier at that moment to show her support for him.Zack and Sky rushed to the party, intending to make a fuss by ruining Liesel and Xavier's reputation. Yet she acknowledged her relationship with Xavier by letting everyone know that they were siblings. Liesel had a younger brother, and his name was Xavier.Xavier stood under the light, which cast a glow on his side profile and made him seem very tall. He most likely experienced a growth spurt when he was younger, so he had a tall and frail figure. Xavier was quite handsome. Despite his gentle demeanor, he cam
Exactly. Why did the Fords have to target Liesel?Howard was never a good person. If he were the king during the olden days, he would definitely favor ministers who flattered him instead of the decent ones. He would be driven by self-interest and only appoint those who were close to him as ministers.There was nothing Howard didn't know. Besides, Howard was on good terms with Heather and wasn't close with anyone from the crowd. They weren't even worthy when compared to Liesel. Liesel was Heather's daughter, and Liesel could even be Howard's future business partner. If Howard didn't take Liesel's side, who else would he side with?Edward's gaze remained calm. "Mr. Durham, you've spoken so bluntly. Don't you know what kind of rumors might spread among the upper class? They might end up hurting her badly.""Hurt her badly?" Howard chuckled. "I'm watching over her on behalf of my old friend, Heather. If any of these rumors start flying, I'll let those people have a taste of what it's
Despite being insulted, Howard's expression remained unchanged. "Look at how pitiful Zack and Sky are. They're covered in injuries all over. "Why didn't you take them to the hospital for treatment? Instead, they're dressed in luxury clothes that don't belong to them so they can attend the dinner party."Howard cocked his head before adjusting his glasses. His gaze remained sharp. "Can't you tell that your father and brother are trying to ruin Liesel and Xavier's reputations?"If you did, you're being malicious by acting innocent and standing up for your father and brother. If you can't tell what's going on, then you're really stupid. Ms. Ford. May I know which one you are?" Howard did not show mercy to Ophelia.A few people at the dinner party could no longer take it. They began massaging their temples while muttering under their breaths. "No one kicked you out yet, so why are you speaking up for them? Why are you triggering him? Serve you right for being humiliated." Others b
Edward said with a warm expression, "Aren't you being too authoritarian, Mr. Durham? Perhaps they had only come to the banquet because they had no other choice. Why don't you hear them out? I don't think you're a stone-cold person.""Oh, you Fords were the ones who brought them here."From just Edward's words, Howard had reached a conclusion.Edward was speechless. Even though Howard had said that, how was he so certain?The smile on Edward's face froze momentarily. "Mr. Durham, my father just thought that they were very pitiful, so he wanted to help them out.""Matthew is already in a wheelchair. No matter how you look at it, he's more pitiful than they are. He should help himself first," Howard said with a sneer. He was mocking them without mercy.The calm expression on Matthew's face turned rigid. "Do you know that this banquet is for the upper class as well as researchers?" Howard directed his aloof gaze toward Edward. "Which category do you think these two fall under? Do t